About the Auxiliary Juniors
Junior's are active members of the American Legion
Auxiliary and do not form a separate organization.
They are organized as a special group of a Unit,
conduct their own meetings and carry out their own
activities under the guidance of the Unit Junior Activities
Chairman, who is a Senior member.
Junior membership is offered to anyone eligible under the age of 18 years and
younger who is an immediate family member of an American Legion member
or a deceased veteran.
As the world's largest women's patriotic organization, the American Legion
Auxiliary recognizes that female junior members will be the leaders of
tomorrow. Through your volunteering in the various programs and services
involving veterans and communities, you can learn leadership skills , earn credit
for your volunteering and meet other girls who can become your lifelong friends.
Our Junior members not only helped our veterans, but they have participated in
the following National programs: Girls State, Girls Nation, Service to Veterans,
Spirit of Youth Program, and the Junior Patch Program. The
Auxiliary-sponsored Freedoms Foundation, which is an Americanism
Conference, is held at Valley Forge where history is brought to life for high
school students across the nation.
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Junior Activities and Programs
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Americanism - all activities pertaining to American ideals and to uphold the principals of democracy.
Folding properly the American flag, distributing small flags marching in a parade, when to salute as
the flag passes by and the proper way to dispose of unusable flags. These are a few Patriotic
programs to stimulate and allow them to show how proud they are to be Americans- give them the
challenge.
Children & Youth - Our Juniors can relate to other youths -- become involved with Special Olympics,
distribute educational materials to their school or others on child abuse, drugs and teenage suicide.
Help out with a reading program. Get involved, ask them what is needed in their school or
neighborhood. Collect books and toys for homeless children. Remind them to offer a helping hand,
perhaps a test is coming up and someone needs tutoring - volunteer to help.
Community Service - Work with senior citizens, help out at day care centers, visit nursing homes
and volunteer at food pantries and shelters. Adopt a senior citizen, send cards, run errands, walk
their pet, mow the lawn, shovel snow, or just stop and chat for a few minutes, you will find this very
rewarding and enjoyable when that senior smiles and says "Thank You."
Legislation - Instill in our Juniors the importance of their rights as citizens. Watch for new Legislation
and have them write their legislatures about their feelings and concerns, discuss at meetings.
Poppies - Seniors should work together with juniors, help them prepare Poppy entries for awards
under the Poppy program. Teach them the origin of the Poppy as our official flower. Invite them to
assist in the Unit Poppy distribution program.
Membership - Encourage them to recruit their friends from school or neighborhoods. Watch their
membership grow within our organization. Have them participate with initiation, installation, memorial
and graduation ceremonies.
VA & R Field Service - Volunteering at the VA Medical Center is one of the main programs of the
American Legion Auxiliary. The Juniors can write letters, adopt a Veteran, make favors, gifts for the
Women veterans, perhaps read the paper or book when visiting; you will come away with a great
feeling knowing you have brought cheer to a Vet.
Public Relations & Publicity - Recognize the hard work of your Juniors. Put articles in your monthly
newsletter, utilize the local newspaper, radio, and TV stations giving them credit where credit is due.
We all like to be told we have done a good job. Our Web Site has a bulletin board just for Junior
Activities. Take pictures and send them to the webmaster so everyone can see what the Juniors are
doing -- a page in the "National News" is also just for juniors. Special activities sponsored by the
Junior group should be photographed and photos sent with their stories to the "National News"
editor at National Headquarters, and, to the webmaster to post on the web site.
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